STUFF ABOUT GOD AND CHRISTIANITY | Dr. Ron Braley
Christmas is filled with traditions, including the story of Jesus’ birth. Some depictions show sheep, camels and donkeys alongside people in costumes for effect. The event makes us feel happy and can be a fun, family-focused time.
But is there more to the story— perhaps behind-the-scenes details that could make it more meaningful if known?
Let’s find out. First, the Son of God, born as a son of man, has existed since at least the birth of our universe (John 1:1-4). Nothing was created without Jesus’ presence and action.
Second, this Son of God had to live and die as a human for a reason: to restore the relationship between the Creator and creation by paying the penalty for the first humans’ rebellion and crushing evil (Genesis 3:15).
Why? Paying the price could only be done by someone who had never rebelled against God. He began sending clues about this coming perfect Savior through various prophets such as Isaiah: “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) This prince was born around 4 BC and was eventually crucified, as the prophet Daniel predicted 500 years before Jesus came to Earth (Daniel 9:25-26). His birth brings God’s peace to those he favors (Luke 2:14), but it also sparked Herod’s wrath (Matthew 2:1-12).
To protect Jesus, an angel instructed Joseph and Mary to flee to Egypt until Herod died (Matthew 2:13-15). How was such a journey possible? After all, travel and daily life were costly, just as they are now.
Let me introduce the wise men.
To truly appreciate their contribution, we need to go back to Persia (modern-day Iran) 500 years earlier, when Daniel gained great respect and wealth. He was also knowledgeable about Babylonian arts, including astronomy. He knew when Jesus would be born (Daniel 9:25-26) and where (Micah 5:2).
Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised that Persian magi (wise men) knew that Jesus fulfilled prophecies and the alignment of the stars at the time and place of his birth was significant.
Daniel’s great wealth was likely the resource that funded Jesus’s trip to Egypt until Herod’s death. Our God is the master orchestrator who crafts everything according to his pleasure.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) In summary, God and our Christian traditions can bring great blessings, peace and joy.
Where will we go next? Please allow me to encourage those who are “spiritual diamonds” in the making. Meanwhile, give what God desires: charity, justice, mercy and a pure heart.
Blessings and peace.
Braley, a Taylorbased minister, Air Force veteran, husband and father, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University in 2018 and a Doctor of Ministry from the same school in 2021.
